Why Little (And Not-So-Little) Kids With Big Emotions Benefit From Big Empathy

One way children know they’re loved is if you simply say so, not in a condescending way, but from your heart, right there while your

Hitting and Biting: How the Right Consequence Might Be Simpler Than You Think

The short answer: The most effective consequence for hitting or biting is a calm, natural one: the child steps away from others until they can

4 Simple Mealtime Rules You and Your Kids Can Embrace

Have fun teaching kids the difference between respectful feedback and disrespectful complaining. You can do this by roleplaying examples of respectful and disrespectful comments ahead

Get Ready for Pandemic Schooling…Round 2

Heading back to school can be an anxious and stressful time for kids and parents– especially during a pandemic! The idea of another round of

To Spank or Not to Spank?

If you work with Christian parents, it’s tempting to stay far away from the spanking debate. There are the “never spank” parents, the “immediate obedience

To Unlock Your Child’s Heart, Just Ask for the Key!

  If you are reading this, you probably want your kids to know how much you love them. And you probably tell them often that

5 Ways to Find Sanity During Family Car Trips

The challenge of car rides together is a great opportunity for connection, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Use roadside rests with parks for vigorous exercise after

Feeling Stuck? Move Toward the Struggling Child.

Parents often find themselves at a loss when kids are particularly discouraged or struggling. It can begin to feel hopeless when everything you’ve tried to

What’s Your Child Really Saying?

It was the first warm day of spring in Minnesota, which usually means MUD. The ground was still soggy from the snow melt, but the air was clean and fresh and the flowers were just beginning to peek through the soil. I was outside with two of our three kids…

How to Deal with an Attention Addict

  Recently, on a weekend when all our kids were home, we dug out the family videos for a trip down memory lane (or, in

Is There Harm in Convincing Kids Santa Is Real?

Note: For some of our readers this post may touch a nerve. Please know we write in a spirit of deeply wanting to see the

The Gift of Not Giving:

Have you noticed that Christmas aisles seem to be stocked earlier and earlier these days? Commercials for Black Friday “doorbusters” are rampant, and there is even controversy about some